Everyone assembled must recite the Haggadah with awe and reverence. The women and children are also obligated in this mitzvah. If they cannot read, the leader must tell them the story of the Egyptian Exodus, explaining everything in a way they can understand. Reciting the story of the Exodus is the primary mitzvah of the evening, as it says in the Torah, והגדת לבנך ביום ההוא " and you shall tell your son [ childre ] on that day. " 

The Zohar states that whoever relates the story of the Exodus with great joy is destined to rejoice with Hashem in Olam Haba, the World-to-Come, in the future. Additionally, Hashem rejoices so much in our recitation  of the Exodus that He invites the angels to come and listen to His “children”, the Jewish People, as they joyously relate Hashem’s praises for the great redemption. In turn, the angels respond and also give thanks and acknowledgment to Hashem for the many miracles and mighty acts that He performed. They also give thanks to Hashem for His holy nation, on earth, who rejoice in the redemption that Hashem brought to them. By their recitation and praise, the Jewish People increase and supplement the power and strength they attribute to the Almighty. Consequently, all who hear the reciting of the Haggadah have an increased awareness, respect and awe of Hashem. 

Laws of Maggid

A. Even if the children do not ask, we are required to relate the story to them on their own level of understanding. 

B. Women must be present at the Seder table during Maggid as they, too, have the same obligation as the men. 

C. At the very least, the women must hear Kiddush and recite from “Pesah, Matzah U’Marror” until the end of Maggid in a manner they can comprehend. 

D. Women should also be present during the recitation of the Ten Plagues to remind them of the many great miracles. 

E. One should explain everything about our exodus to those women who do not understand the Haggadah. 

F. If no children are present at the table, we are still obligated to retell the story to those assembled.

G. If a man is making a Seder alone, he is still required to retell the story to himself as this is the mitzvah of  the Pesah Seder. 

H. It is preferable not to interrupt the reading of Maggid with unrelated conversation. 

I. One may not eat or drink during the reading of the Haggadah.